Several animals found dead after a house fire in Central, Utah

DAMMERON VALLEY, Utah (ABC4) — Several animals are dead, and two reptiles are missing after a house fire in Central, Utah.

At approximately 11:05 a.m. on October 1, 2025, Dammeron Valley fire crews and wildland fire crews were dispatched to Central, a census-designated area in Washington County, due to a house fire. When they arrived, they found a significant smoke column and a working fire.

Due to the proximity of the house to the wildland, there was significant concern about the fire spreading.

Deputy Chief Ryan D’Ambrosio, with Dammeron Valley Fire Rescue, says, “Pretty much any structure fire or vehicle fire that we’re going to get on this side of Washington County will lead to some sort of wildland fire.”

Courtesy: Dammeron Valley Fire & Rescue

“This easily could have caused the whole community to burn down; we would have had a devastating fire,” Deputy Chief D’Ambrosio added, “Luckily, conditions were right for us today, and we had multiple engines available in the area.”

While the homeowner was not present and nobody was injured from the fire, multiple animals were inside the home. Unfortunately, five cats and one dog died due to the fire. Additionally, two reptiles remain unaccounted for at this time.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. However, Deputy Chief D’Ambrosio says there are several things that individuals can do to prevent a house fire.

“Having fuel that is away from a building and limbed up and very thin is going to be the best thing possible,” He advised, before adding, “Check smoke detectors once a year and change those batteries.”